Writing a Research Report, how does the process work?
Vinesh k -
As I move closer to completing my project, I’m now focused on an exciting (and challenging) phase: preparing my results for publication. Turning raw experiments into a structured research article isn’t just about presenting data — it’s about telling the full story behind the work in a way that’s clear, replicable, and meaningful.
Here’s a look into how I’m approaching this critical part of the process:
1. Making Assumptions Clear
One of the most important steps in writing any research report is making sure the assumptions are explicitly stated. Without this, it becomes easy for readers to misinterpret the data or attempt to replicate the results under different, unacknowledged conditions.
In my report, I am laying out three key assumptions:
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Uniform Hardware Costs: I assume that all hardware components cost the same. While in reality prices can vary slightly, this assumption simplifies the cost analysis and allows for a more straightforward comparison.
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No Degradation Over Time: I assume that the amount of water desorbed remains constant over cycles — meaning there is no material degradation impacting performance. This is important because wear-and-tear could change efficiency over time, but for now, we’re treating the system as stable (or that all degrade at the same rate)
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Linear Scaling of Water Desorption: I assume that water desorption increases linearly with the amount of material used. In other words, doubling the material doubles the water captured. Realistically, this might not always hold true, especially at larger scales where space and energy distribution become limiting factors. However, without experimental data on scaling effects, it’s necessary to state this assumption clearly. Acknowledging potential inaccuracies is better than pretending they don’t exist.
By clearly listing these assumptions, I ensure that anyone who reads or builds upon my work understands the specific frame I’m working within.
2. Describing the Process
Data doesn’t mean much if readers don’t know how it was collected and analyzed. The “Process” section of my paper is where I map out exactly what I did, step by step.
This includes:
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The hardware and materials used,
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The experimental setups,
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Measurement methods,
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How variables were controlled,
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And how calculations were performed.
Being meticulous here isn’t just about being thorough — it’s about allowing other researchers to replicate the results, improve upon them, or test them under different conditions. Transparency is one of the most powerful tools.
3. Presenting Actual Data
At the core of everything is the data itself. Assumptions and methods create the framework, but the results are what validate (or challenge) the original hypotheses.
I’m organizing the data clearly with tables, graphs, and concise explanations. I’m also paying attention to showing both raw numbers and any derived calculations, such as efficiencies or cost per liter of water captured.
The goal is to make the data accessible: someone should be able to quickly understand the key findings without digging through endless text. Good figures, smart labeling, and logical flow are key to making that happen.
Thank you for tuning in this week! See you soon!